Tuesday, April 26, 2011

A Song That Makes Me Cry (Day 16)

Many, many songs fit the bill for this particular challenge question/confession. As you know, I love music. Live it, breathe it. Not a day goes by when I haven't listened to at least half a dozen songs and thought about how each and every one might pertain to a scene in my current work in progress. It just happens that way. If a song isn't working for Le Muse, I move to the next one; see if she likes what she hears. If so, plot possibilities begin to appear, patches of dialogue, character epiphanies, and so on.

As you can see or may already know, emotion plays a huge role in the creative process. So, it comes as no surprise when a song, whether by lyrics or music or both, brings tears to my eyes. Heck, sometimes I sob. Have to stop the car, pull over. People pass by, doubtless murmuring, "What in the...??"

All right. So, that's a little dramatic.

Let's just move on to my choice in song for this challenge, then, shall we?

I grew up listening to bands like America, The Eagles, and Bread, as well as great solo artists like Jim Croce, Gary Wright, and Conway Twitty. And yes, among these greats, scattered throughout several of my mother's old vinyl records, was the King himself, Elvis Presley. Of all his hits, however, and there are so, so many, this song stands out in my mind as a sort of symbol, a marker for the love I share with my family.

We're a tightly knit bunch, my family. On both sides, too. The lyrics to Memories, the flowing strings, and Elvis's honey-smooth baritone tug at my heartstrings like no other song. When it rolls around on my iPod, I reflect on my mother, all the fun we've had, our struggle to get through some really hard times, and then coming out stronger. Smarter. And much, much closer than ever before.

The lyrics are simple, yet profound. Memorable, as a good song should be. And no matter where I am, whether in the car, walking the track, or in the frozen food section at the local grocer, when it comes on, when I hear those first few notes, I stop. Reflect. And, yes, tears well my eyes. Every time.

So, what song does this for you? And I know you've got one, so don't be shy.

Peace, Love, and Junior Mints,

P.S. Here's a few others that spark my waterworks: Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol, Pieces by Red, The Dance by Garth Brooks, Romeo and Juliet by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, and Scarborough Fair, traditional.